Introducing The Badollet Ivresse (Live Pics)

Recently, revived boutique brand Badollet introduced us to their latest creation at this year's Baselworld fair, right alongside the creative minds that brought it to life. The watch, dubbed Ivresse, is unique not for its complications, but for its shape and execution. The slight curvature of the rectangular case and abundance of negative space on the dial leave room only for subtle details to be enjoyed thanks to the handiwork of Eric Giroud, the it guy of haute horology design. The Ivresse is more than mere visual curiosity though, a cleverly designed movement adds real substance under the surface.

The idea for the Ivresse was born of inspiration from early duo form watches from the likes of JLC and Movado. These watches saw the movement split into two or more levels due to the size restraints of their placements (think jewelry and ladies watches). First priority was getting the slender look on target, and for that Badollet turned to the decorated designer, Eric Giroud. Functionality and readability were lifted above "aesthetic excess" which lead to the stark dial design, filled only with color, texture and a single brushed chapter ring around which the time is read. At 12 o'clock sits the only branding element, the Badollet griffin.

The 950 platinum case is slightly arched and is broken into two levels. The base sits tall and tucks under a rounded and exaggerated bezel, which does a lot to hide the mass of the watch. Speaking of mass, this watch is no featherweight due to the extensive use of platinum. The length of the watch does displace the weight however, so it won't feel too awkward on the wrist. The crown is tucked underneath the bezel, hidden from view.

With the design in place, Badollet reached out to David Candaux (formerly of JLC) to reverse engineer a movement to fit the unusual case. The result is a hand wind flying tourbillon that uses a cone shaped going gear train to accommodate the curvature. Complimenting the stark dial side, the movement appears very organic through the back sapphire. Set into the platinum base, it is visible in a figure of eight opening, tourbillon flipping away at bottom (inside its own figure eight cage) and the hanging barrel at top. Power reserve is 120 hours and decoration isn't skimped on. See more live images after the break.

The Badollet Ivresse is limited to 30 pieces, all will be made in platinum. The price is set at 188,000 CHF. Learn more about Badollet and the Ivresse right here.

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Friday March 3, 2012

HODINKEE is one of the most widely read wristwatch publications in the world. Launched in 2008 by then 25-year-old Benjamin Clymer, the site quickly gained notoriety for earnest looks at some of the industry’s most interesting, and occasionally forgotten timepieces.